Developmentally disabled woman dies in hot van at Texas living center

Officials with the Brenham State Supported Living Center (BSSLC) said Amy Parrish, 48, watched movies with the other residents Monday morning. The woman’s whereabouts are unknown after that, according to KTRK.

A search for the missing woman began after she failed to show up to an afternoon class.

Texas Health and Human Services Commission spokeswoman Carrie Williams told KPRC that Parrish was found on campus in a van several hours later. Though emergency personnel administered CPR, the 48-year-old was pronounced dead at an area hospital.

“Our residents are like family to us, and this is a heartbreaking situation. It appears it was a tragic accident, and our thoughts are with everyone who was close to her,” Williams wrote in a statement obtained by The Bryan-College Station Eagle. “Our focus right now is looking into how this could have happened and will make any necessary changes to be sure we are doing everything we can to protect our residents.”

Two employees were temporarily transferred to non-patient roles following the fatal incident.

KBTX reported that Parrish’s body has been sent to the Travis County Medical Office. Police and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services are currently investigating her death.